Polarized Light Microscopy Digital Image Gallery

Aplite

Aplite is light in color and exhibits a granular texture, similar to that of sugar. The rock is generally found in small masses independent from other minerals. Aplite does, however, frequently occur with pegmatite, a similar rock that is more coarsely grained. The two igneous rocks may even form thin strata, or layers, within each other and are believed to have developed at the same point in history. A relatively rare gemstone called chrysoberyl can be found in aplites and pegmatites. Composed of beryllium and aluminum oxide, chrysoberyl varies in color depending upon which optical axis is being observed, and certain varieties of the mineral form the popular catís-eye stones when sliced into a convex shape.